Regional staff unveil interim plan to end chronic homelessness
Posted Nov 7, 2023 03:35:21 PM.
Last Updated Nov 7, 2023 08:35:49 PM.
Regional staff have introduced an interim plan to end chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region.
‘The Plan’ calls for a total of $14,238,460 for 2024 between the plan itself, service and program recommendations in the community and a new homelessness prevention reserve. It was presented to regional councillors on Tuesday.
Peter Sweeney, the Commissioner for Public Services for the region, said homelessness is increasing significantly and if nothing is done, an estimated 1,600 people will experience some form of homelessness by 2028.
“This is the community and your staff’s best foot forward under the circumstances,” said Sweeney. “It is not insignificant in its ask and its reach is ambitious and it is important.”
Councillors voted to defer a motion to approve the funding considerations for services and programs to a regional council meeting on Nov. 22. Some of the organizations that were approved for funding include the Social Development Centre, Lutherwood, and Marillac Residence.
A Strategic and Budget Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday will determine if the plan will be attached to the proposal for the 2024 budget.
Here is a breakdown of the proposed plan:
